The Portage Cardi KAL

When my gal pal Selena (@dankfiber on Instagram) suggested we host a KAL with prizes for the Portage Cardigan we were planning to knit together, I was immediately intrigued. After a little thought I decided to go for it, and we started brainstorming prize ideas. Below is the KAL announcement we came up with, which showcases the prizes for each of our five giveaways. The first three prizes were coordinated sock yarn sets dyed by Spun Right Round, Hue Loco, Baerenwolle and others. The fourth prize was the charcoal Fringe field bag pictured below. (I’m a huge Fringe fan!) The final prize was two sweaters’ worth of yarn from Primrose Yarn Co, symbolized by my own Portage yarn–a stack of luscious Primrose Marquess MCN DK (this stuff is gold!) in the colorway Bramble. The first four prizes were assembled by Selena and me, but I was absolutely blown away by Primrose’s generous yarn giveaway. Many many thanks to Kelsey of Primrose Yarn Co!

If you’ve been following my Portage WIP posts on Instagram then you’ve probably read my many praises of the Portage cardigan pattern. Authored by Melissa Schaschwary of Dandiliongirl Designs, Portage is an impeccably polished and well-constructed design. I believe I even referred to it as a tour de force in one of my Instagram posts. It really is that good!

The standout feature of the Portage cardigan has to be the back, which possesses an allover network of simple 2-stitch cabling that ripens into beautifully textured lace. Aside from the back the body is worked primarily in stockinette with elegant 4-stitch cables running down the sides and an over-sized five-inch ribbed hem that is well worth the effort.

However, the real work begins when it’s time to pick up stitches and knit the six-inch garter edging that begins at one front hem and wraps around the neck to the end of the other. The edging folds nicely for that cozy look and feel, but the spacious pockets bring it up yet another notch. To end, the sleeves are knit extra long with folded cuffs. The successful combination of multiple yet basic knitting elements renders Portage nonpareil in the class of cardigan designs. (I should mention that Portage also instructs to use the tubular bind off, but I shamefully skipped this detail.)

The multi-colored complexity of Bramble often left me feeling dazed, in a good way. I would say the primary color is warm green but also has blue-gray, brown and light green tones with bits of orange and gold. The three WIP shots above were taken in lower lighting, while the FO shots were taken in moderate afternoon light. Without a doubt it is one of those colorways that varies greatly and has a magical effect on any project.

Thanks to all who joined in on the #PortageCardiKAL! Once again, special and abundant thanks to Kelsey of Primrose Yarn Co and to my KAL partner Selena. If you didn’t get the chance to join in this time, don’t fret! We plan to host another KAL on Instagram some time this fall with more delicious prizes. Stay tuned!